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Comfort food has a special place in our hearts and kitchens, transcending seasons and occasions. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a casual summer gathering, the right dish can evoke feelings of warmth and satisfaction. One such dish that embodies the essence of comfort food is the Spicy Cheesy Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Skillet. This culinary delight combines the rich flavors of buffalo chicken with the creamy goodness of cheese, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Skillet

Discover the ultimate comfort dish with this Spicy Cheesy Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta Skillet. Combining tender penne pasta, juicy chicken, and a tangy buffalo sauce, this meal is a perfect blend of spicy and creamy flavors. Baked to perfection with a golden cheese crust, it’s sure to impress at family dinners or gatherings with friends. Learn how to create this dish step-by-step and enjoy a delightful culinary experience that warms the heart and soul.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (approximately 2 cups) penne pasta

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup buffalo sauce (can be store-bought or homemade)

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, for garnish)

2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

      Sauté the Chicken: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken along with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

        Incorporate the Buffalo Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then carefully stir in the buffalo sauce and softened cream cheese. Mix well, allowing the cream cheese to melt and blend thoroughly into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy coating for the chicken.

          Combine Ingredients: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the buffalo chicken mixture. Gently stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.

            Cheese It Up: Generously sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the pasta mixture, creating a delicious cheesy layer.

              Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden on top.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles (if using), chopped green onions, and fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.

                  Dig In: Serve warm and savor the spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness of this mouth-watering baked buffalo chicken pasta skillet. Enjoy!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | Serves 4-6